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Conrad Pool - Captain

Nationality: American/South African
Languages: English

Education/Certifications: Master of Yachts 200 Tons Limited (Commercial Endorsed) (IYT), Coastal Skipper and Yachtmasters Offshore (RYA/MCA), VPDSD, Approved Engine Course (AEC) (MCA) Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC) (MCA), Short Range Radio Certificate (SRC) (RYA), STCW 95, ENG, Coastguard Master 500T

Captain Conrad is originally from beautiful Cape Town South Africa, known for breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Captain Conrad loves to travel and had always wanted to explore America. In 2000 he traveled to South Dakota and then made his way to the sunshine state, beautiful south Florida. His love of adventure, traveling, and exploring new places led him into yachting. He has obtained his 500 ton captains license and has worked on vessels that range from 280ft to our beautiful 112ft Westport, NO SHORTCUTS. Captain Conrad takes pride in any vessel he captains and loves giving amazing guest experiences with beautiful anchorages and fun excursions. He was previously Captain aboard 112' Westport INDIGO and spent time as a first office on 143' STARSHIP. When Captain Conrad is not traveling around the world by boat, he enjoys fishing and sports. He has a passion for rugby, cricket, and riding his motorcycles. Don’t let Captain Conrad's calm demeanor fool you, he is a adrenal junky at heart, if not on the water you could also find him skydiving, racing motorcycles on the track with friends or cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa.

Jewel Deftereos – Chief Stew

Nationality: South African
Languages: English

Education/Certifications: STCW, STCW PDSD, ENG1, Food Safety , Hygiene Level 2, RYA VHF Radio, Powerboat Level 2, Padi Advanced Divers

Jewel grew up in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of her large family, which includes five sisters and one brother. Their family holidays and weekends were always filled with laughter and happiness, creating fond memories that Jewel will always cherish.

Jewel transitioned into the yachting industry five years ago, seamlessly blending her love for the ocean with her extensive hospitality experience. Before yachting, she worked as a hostess in high-end hotels, catering to high-profile guests, and spent a season on cruise ships as a shore excursion staff member.

Bringing a kind and calm energy to her work, Jewel is highly organized and dedicated, putting all her energy into ensuring guests feel completely relaxed and happy on board. The happiness of the guests is her top priority, and she strives to consistently provide the best service with a friendly demeanor. Jewel performs her position to the highest standard while her positive attitude and bubbly personality remain steadfast.

In her spare time, Jewel enjoys walking, swimming, and indulging in good food. She loves meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life, enriching the experiences of everyone she encounters.

Second Stewardess - Beneatha Van Vuuren

Nationality: South African
Languages: English

Education/Certifications: STCW (PSSR/PST/EFA/ FFP/DSD, ENG1, Food & Hygiene Level II, Green to Gold Stewardess Training, Advanced Service Training

Benetha is a confident and capable Stewardess with a natural talent for creating exceptional guest experiences and maintaining a beautifully run interior. She is known for her attention to detail, professionalism and adaptability.

She’s gained experience both on private and charter vessels such as M/Y CARPE DIEM, M/Y VANTAGE, M/Y ALGARVE, and is currently onboard M/Y SHORTCUTS as Second Stewardess.

Passionate about hospitality, Beneatha takes pride in delivering attentive, high level service to her guests, from mixing signature cocktails and providing elegant dining experiences to hosting them with warmth and ease. Her charismatic and friendly personality brings positive energy to every charter.

Ross Cameron – Chef

Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Education/Certifications: Culinary Arts Diploma

Ross embarked on his boating journey in 2017, driven by a lifelong desire to travel the world and immerse himself in diverse cuisines and cultures. With a specialization in Mediterranean, Asian, Thai, French, and Italian cuisines, Ross is adept at creating culinary masterpieces that cater to all dietary restrictions. His commitment to high standards of food quality and impeccable plating ensures that every dish is a visual and gastronomic delight.

With over 6 years of experience in the industry, Ross has honed his ability to anticipate client needs, providing a personalized dining experience that leaves guests indulging in some of the best food they’ve ever tasted. By pairing his dishes with world-award-winning wines, he continuously challenges and amazes his guests’ palates with a seamless journey of flavors from one dish to the next.

In addition to his culinary prowess, Ross's background in deck operations enables him to assist the crew with various tasks, showcasing his versatility. His ultimate dream is to open a restaurant in South Africa, where he can share his passion for food with a wider audience.

In his spare time, Ross enjoys attending cooking classes, golfing, going to the gym, playing rugby, swimming, and scuba diving. His greatest passion remains his love for food, which continues to grow day by day.

Ross can’t wait to host his next guests aboard his table on 112’ NO SHORTCUTS.

Marius Duvenhage – First Mate

Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Education/Certifications: RYA Yachmaster Offshore, SAS Yacht Master Coastal, RYA Coastal Skippers, RYA Day Skippers, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA PWC, RYA Competent Crew, RYA Diesel Engine Course, RYA PPR, RYA Radar Course, RYA Super Yacht Training, STCW, ENG1, SAMSA SRC Radio License, Security Officer Course, Armed Response Course

Marius is originally from the small town of Fochville, where he grew up with two older brothers. From a young age, his hobbies included wrestling and fighting, which instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and determination. Seven years ago, Marius discovered his passion for sailing, and he has felt at home on the ocean ever since.

Marius is dedicated to ensuring that guests experience the vacation of a lifetime. His ambitious and hardworking nature, combined with a good sense of humor and a hands-on attitude, make him an invaluable member of the
crew. Known for his boundless energy and creativity, Marius approaches every task with a serious commitment and a knack for innovative problem solving. Passionate about his work, Marius can't imagine himself doinganything else.

In his spare time, Marius enjoys wrestling, kitesurfing, ju-jitsu, and racing.

Deckhand/Engineer - Divan Blignaut

Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Education/Certifications: AEC I & II, MCA ENG 1, RYA Powerboat level II, RYA Tender operator, RYA VHF radio, RYA radar, RYA personal watercraft, STCW 2010 (including PDSD)

Before entering the yachting industry, Divan gained experience in both IT support and hospitality. Working in IT, he repaired and installed hardware and software, assisted clients with troubleshooting and upgrades, and developed strong technical problem-solving skills that transfer well to onboard AV and IT systems. He also worked in bartending, where he delivered high-end customer service in fast-paced environments, building close guest relations, multitasking, and communication skills that naturally transitioned into yachting.

Divan has since gained yachting experience onboard M/Y WINNING HAND, M/Y ZUMA, M/Y VIRGINIA SEA, and is currently serving as Deckhand/Engineer aboard M/Y NO SHORTCUTS. He has also worked with MGI YACHTS and DM MARINE SERVICES, supporting various vessels with maintenance, detailing, and operational tasks.

As a Deckhand/Engineer, Divan is experienced in exterior detailing, polishing, wash-downs, engine room maintenance, and supporting shipyard periods and charter preparation. Very hands-on and dependable, he takes pride in keeping yachts always looking sharp and guest ready.

With a big love and interests in photography, video editing, IT, and networking, he brings both technical skills and creativity to his work onboard. Positive, hardworking, and team-oriented, Divan enjoys being part of a professional crew and helping create a smooth, enjoyable experience for guests.

In his free time, Divan enjoys golf, programming, spearfishing, freediving, and cliff jumping, reflecting his adventurous personality and love for the ocean.